Sabarimala virtual queue system: Kerala govt caught in a bind, BJP sees an 'opportunity'

In 2018, when the Supreme Court pronounced its verdict in favour of women's entry into the Sabarimala Ayyappa shrine in Kerala, the RSS was initially supportive. However, when the CPI(M)-led government proceeded with implementing the verdict, the organisation, along with the BJP, made a sharp U-turn, stating that it was "considering the sentiments of the devotees, including scores of women," and framing the violent protests as a reaction to the "forceful breaking of tradition."

Goa Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai, who was the BJP state chief at the time, was caught on tape saying it was a “golden opportunity for the party to push its agenda”. He also revealed that the high priests had consulted him amid the chaos before shutting the sanctum sanctorum, while speaking in a Yuvamorcha programme, which had generated significant buzz at the time. Since then, the phrase "golden opportunity to push one’s agenda" has become a catchphrase among Kerala's political and journalistic circles to denote the exploitation of a volatile situation.

Also read: No spot booking at Sabarimala, all assured darshan: Minister Vasavan

Now, with the virtual queue controversy surrounding the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple igniting a fierce political debate in Kerala, the Sangh Parivar finds itself on the cusp of yet another "golden opportunity," with the Congress close on its heels to claim a share in it.

Darshan only through virtual queue system

The state's decision to allow darshan exclusively through a virtual queue system during the upcoming pilgrimage season has drawn sharp criticism from both the BJP and Congress. Both parties argue that this move could alienate many devotees, particularly those who are not tech-savvy or lack access to digital resources.

Also read: Sabarimala: Cong-led UDF seeks implementation of spot booking

"We were the ones who successfully resisted attempts to destroy Sabarimala under the guise of the Supreme Court verdict in 2018. Now they are coming up with this virtual queue. The government cannot stop any devotees. We will ensure that those who wish to visit without using the virtual queue will reach Sabarimala," said K. Surendran, BJP state president.

On the other side of its political standing, Surendran's remarks reflect a broader concern that mandating virtual bookings could create barriers for thousands of devotees travelling from various states, including Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, who may not be familiar with technology.

Also read: Will protest ‘virtual queue booking only’ plan in Sabarimala: BJP

Calls for restoration of spot booking

Even the CPI(M) in Pathanamthitta district has called for the restoration of spot booking; however, the government is exploring alternative arrangements. Reports indicate that the government plans to set up several kiosks along the route to Sabarimala where devotees can obtain virtual tickets, in addition to the usual Akshaya centres, the e-help hub run by the state government.

"We will ensure a smooth darshan for all devotees visiting Sabarimala. No pilgrim will be sent back, and the government will take necessary measures to facilitate their visit. To ensure the comfort of devotees, the daily number of pilgrims will be capped at 80,000. Alternative arrangements will be made instead of spot booking, and Akshaya centres will be set up at various camps. The interests of devotees will be protected. No one will be allowed to incite unrest or exploit Sabarimala for political gain. The government’s sole focus is the safety of the devotees," said V.N. Vasavan, Minister of Devaswom Affairs.

Also read: Sabarimala Temple: How millions of women joined hands for gender equality

TDB defends decision

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the temple, has defended its decision, asserting that the virtual queue is essential for ensuring safety and crowd control. TDB president PS Prasanth explained that this system allows for better management of pilgrim numbers, stating, "With the virtual queue system, we can anticipate the number of pilgrims in advance. In 2022-23, around 3.8 lakh devotees arrived through spot bookings, and this increased to over 4 lakhs in 2023-24. Tracking the number of devotees is essential to ensure their safety. The government is planning to entrust more than one nodal agency to provide e-help to the devotees in and outside the state. As a devotee myself, I can assure you that no Ayyappa devotee will return without darshan this time. However, we need a structured system in place, and everyone must cooperate with us," he added.

However, critics argue that this approach disregards the traditional practices of many devotees who prefer spot booking.

Also read: How Ayyappa temples host Muslim mosques in Kerala with pomp and show

Possibility of protests

The politics surrounding Sabarimala has become increasingly charged as various parties voice their opinions. The Congress party has joined the fray, urging the government to retain spot booking alongside the virtual queue to accommodate all devotees. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala articulated concerns about the potential exclusion of pilgrims unfamiliar with online systems.

“The new decision to allow darshan only through online booking would adversely impact those from other states. Many devotees had to return without entering the shrine last year just because of the inability of the government machinery," said the Congress leader.

Amidst these tensions, intelligence reports have warned of possible protests akin to those seen after the Supreme Court's 2018 verdict allowing women of all ages to enter Sabarimala. Right-wing groups, including those aligned with the Sangh Parivar, have threatened to mobilise against what they perceive as government overreach into religious practices. This was evident in the words of Surendran who vowed that BJP leaders would visit Sabarimala without online booking and assist others wishing to do the same.

Last year’s pilgrimage saw daily crowds exceeding 90,000 at times, leading to significant logistical challenges and safety concerns. According to duty officials, at least 80 to 85 devotees ascend the 18 sacred steps in just 1 minute. This presents an incredibly laborious challenge for the police and other staff on duty.

What NDRF guidelines say

The National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) guidelines emphasise that managing crowd inflow is critical for safety.

“The guiding principle for crowd control should be managing the demand-supply gap through controlling crowd inflow,” states a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) guide for state governments, local authorities, administrators, and organisers, titled ‘Managing Crowds at Events and Venues of Mass Gathering.’

The document further notes, “With demand outstripping supply, queues cannot be avoided. In many places, it is impossible to increase supply capacity due to religious beliefs or topographical constraints.”

The Pullumedu tragedy of January 14, 2011, which claimed 106 lives during the pilgrimage season due to overcrowding, remains a haunting reminder of the devastating consequences of crowd management failure.

“The Sangh Parivar and the Congress are collaborating to stir up trouble over Sabarimala’s virtual queue system. A deliberate attempt to create panic at Sabarimala has become evident in recent years, and people need to be made aware of this. Just as pilgrimages to religious places like Char Dham and Hajj operate under restrictions imposed by different authorities, Sabarimala too requires structured management. Located deep within dense forests, pilgrims visit to pray for inner peace, and not to face dangerous crowding. The unrest surrounding Sabarimala is more than a religious issue; it is an orchestrated disruption. Kerala must recognise this strategy and respond effectively” opines M. Gopakumar, a left-leaning political commentator.

As political factions prepare for potential protests and rallies against the government's decisions, it remains uncertain how this controversy will unfold. The upcoming pilgrimage season promises not only spiritual significance but also a battleground for political ideologies and technological adaptation within religious practices.